Los Angeles PBS affiliate KCET exits network fold to go independent

 
KCET, the Los Angeles PBS member station, has decided to break away from the public broadcasting network and become an independent station.

Starting in January, station officials intend to replace such iconic PBS fare as "Charlie Rose," "NewsHour," "Sesame Street" and "Masterpiece" with news and documentaries from Japan, Canada and elsewhere, along with old feature films. (KCET will continue to carry PBS programming through the end of December.)

The drastic move comes after a months-long battle over the dues KCET must pay the national organization. Last year, the dues totaled nearly $7 million, or almost one-fifth of the station's $37-million net operating revenue. Station officials say that amount is far too high. PBS, fearing that a reduction in the sum could lead to demands for similar discounts from other member stations, refused to budge.

"After four decades as the West Coast flagship PBS station, this is not a decision we made lightly," said Al Jerome, KCET's president and chief executive, in a news release. "We have been in discussions with PBS for over three years about the need to address challenges that are unique to our market as well as our station."

"As an independent public television station, KCET will be committed to investing in Southern California by developing, acquiring, producing and distributing content across all media platforms," he added. "We will continue to offer the KCET audience programming from leading national and international sources. Some of these series are currently on our air."

Yet a divorce could prove painful for both parties. Independent broadcasting outlets found themselves in perilous times even before the recent recession hit. Without recognizable series to promote, KCET will likely find it difficult to gain traction with viewers. Moreover, the station will find it tough to produce or buy shows that generate strong ratings as program costs keep escalating.

A pullout isn't good news for PBS, either, as it signals "to other PBS members that affiliation isn't that important anymore," according to Jeffrey McCall, a media expert at DePauw University.

It also increases doubts about the long-term future of public broadcasting. "PBS certainly does not play the essential role it once did in the nation's media landscape," McCall said. "For years, PBS provided things that couldn't be had from the traditional networks," including public affairs and educational programs.

"Now, with cable outlets, not to mention the Internet, the public doesn't rely on PBS for such fare."

-- Scott Collins (Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT)

Photo: Al Jerome, president and chief executive of KCET

Photo credit: Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[LYNN RUSSELL]

Big, big, BIG mistake. The concept of "quality of life" and those providers consistent with that valuable commodity seems to have escaped the powers that be at our local KCET station. The loss of PBS is beyond significant. Very, very sad. Your management surely could have found revenue streams to fortify an irreplaceable tradition. Perhaps I should look into your operating budget and see what chaff has remained in place of the wheat.

[Patrick Gotcher]

I had watched KCET for over 40 years, almost exclusively. I have been a member + for
at least haft that time. But no more. I hate their new programing, what are they thinking.
I loved Bill Moyers, Charlie Rose, the PBS News Team, Frontline, Nova, Antique Road
Show, Nature, Etc. I am really upset over this. I am just so pissed off I can't tell you.
Please KCET go back to your previous programing, Please, Please, Please.

[Shawn]

You know, infomed viewers stay informed with shows like BBC World News. You guys should stay on top of shows like that. Take your show on the road to capitalism- But don't take that show from the public. Create your niche now! Don't dump BBC World News! That was 50% of my time on KCET! Now I have nothing there but some nature shows (50% of which are sophmoric). Where is OUR Public Broadcast?! Change you name if you don't back it up! You could start airing "Democracy Now!"! But don't Take BBC World off the air!! If I don't see some good "Public Programming", I'll start spreading the word that KCET is not worth the dime that hybrid car makers spend on it. Don't shill! Give us something to think about. Let us believe that their is someone fighting for good in the world! - and on the air!

Shawn McLendon

[Verna]

I am sick that Charlie Rose is no longer on your station. I watch that show every night. I'm watching it on another channel now. Don't ask me for any money.